Let’s be honest, curly hair is a lot to handle, especially if you have a thick head of it. I was blessed to be a part of the “curly hair don’t care” gang but it can be a handful sometimes…literally.

I’ve gone through my whole life testing and trying out so many curly hair products, and I think I’ve finally found the best drugstore products for curly hair that actually work!

I’ve got a list of salon-recommended anti frizz serum, spray, and oil products that are not only affordable but also help your curls in so many ways!

Whether you are looking for cheap drugstore curly hair products that are moisturizing and help volumize your curls, these are definitely ones that you should try!

What’s Your Curl Type?

The first step in finding the best product for your curly hair is knowing what your specific curl type is.

This can help you maintain it correctly and help guide you to the right products. So what type of curly hair do I have?

For reference, curls range from 1a to 4c starting with straight hair (check out the graphic below).

For me, my curls range between a 3a and 3c depending on where the curls are on my head and what types of products I use.

For many, hair curls can differ depending on where they are on the head.

Some have a more defined ringlet shape when you look underneath the top portion of your hair.

A list of drugstore curly hair products that help bring out your natural curls while taming frizz

Many people wonder how to keep curly hair from frizzing in humidity.

The simple answer is to use an anti-humidity or frizz control product during your hair care routine.

For many people, curly hair and humidity do not go well together.

With that being said, the products below are for frizz control and anti-humidity.

Whether you live in a humid climate or not, anti-humidity and frizz-controlling products work wonders in controlling your big curly hair.

It allows the curls to have a little weight on them which will allow the curls to lengthen out instead of having those tight knotty ringlets.

Pro Tip: Always combine an anti-humidity or a frizz-controlling product with a specific curl-defining product.

Common curly hair product questions

Is olaplex good for curly hair

Olaplex is a hair treatment product that is designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair.

It works by penetrating the hair shaft and rebuilding the bonds that give hair its strength and structure.

Olaplex has been widely praised by hair professionals and consumers alike for its ability to repair damaged hair and prevent further breakage.

There is no specific information available on whether Olaplex is particularly effective for curly hair, but it is generally considered to be a good choice for all hair types.

Curly hair is often more prone to dryness and breakage due to its coiled structure and the fact that it is more prone to tangles.

Olaplex can help to nourish and repair damaged hair, which may be beneficial for maintaining healthy, bouncy curls.

Why is my hair curly underneath but straight on top

There are a few possible reasons why your hair might be curly underneath but straight on top.

1. One possibility is that you have a type of hair known as “mixed-texture hair,” which means that your hair has more than one texture or curl pattern. This is a common occurrence, and it is not unusual for people to have different curl patterns on different parts of their head.
2. Another possibility is that you have what is known as a “kink” or “coil” in your hair. This is a type of curl pattern that is typically found at the crown of the head and can cause the hair to appear straight on top but curly underneath. This type of curl pattern is often referred to as “type 3c” hair.
3. Finally, it is also possible that your hair appears straight on top and curly underneath due to styling practices. If you regularly straighten or blow dry your hair, for example, the heat and styling tools may cause the top layers of your hair to appear straight, while the underneath layers remain curly.

If you are concerned about the texture of your hair or are experiencing any issues with breakage or damage, it is a good idea to speak with a hair professional or stylist for advice and guidance.

They can help you to determine the best course of action to care for your hair and achieve the desired results.

How to wear a hat with curly hair

Wearing a hat with curly hair can be a little trickier than wearing a hat with straight hair, as curly hair tends to be more voluminous and prone to frizz. Here are a few tips for wearing a hat with curly hair:

1. Use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil: Before putting on your hat, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your curls to help tame frizz and add moisture. This will help to keep your curls looking smooth and defined under the hat.
2. Style your hair before putting on the hat: If you want to maintain your curls’ shape and definition, it is a good idea to style your hair before putting on the hat. This will help to keep your curls looking their best and prevent them from getting flattened or disrupted by the hat.
3. Choose a hat with a larger circumference: If you have very voluminous or thick curly hair, you may want to choose a hat with a larger circumference to accommodate your curls. This will help to prevent your curls from being squished or flattened under the hat.
4. Avoid hats that are too tight: Wearing a hat that is too tight on your head can cause your curls to become flattened and frizzy. Choose a hat that fits comfortably and allows your curls some breathing room.
5. Experiment with different styles: If you’re not sure which hat style will work best with your curls, try out a few different options. You may find that certain hat styles work better with your curls than others.

How to dry curly hair without diffuser

Here are a few tips for drying curly hair without a diffuser:

1. Use a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt: After washing your hair, gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or an old t-shirt. These materials are less likely to cause frizz and damage compared to a regular towel.
2. Avoid rubbing your hair: Instead of rubbing your hair to dry it, gently scrunch or twist it to remove excess moisture. This will help to maintain the shape and definition of your curls.
3. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream: After scrunching or twisting your hair to remove excess moisture, apply a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to help define and hold your curls.
4. Use a low heat setting: If you are using a hair dryer to dry your curls, be sure to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging your hair. High heat can cause your curls to become dry and frizzy.
5. Allow your hair to air dry: If you have the time, you can also allow your curls to air dry naturally. This is the gentlest method for drying curls and can help to preserve their natural shape and texture.

It is important to be gentle with your curls when drying them, as rough handling can cause frizz and damage.

It is also a good idea to use a heat protectant product if you are using a hair dryer, as this can help to prevent heat damage.

Is curly hair dominant

The inheritance of curly hair is not as straightforward as the inheritance of some other traits, such as eye color.

Curly hair is a polygenic trait, which means that it is influenced by multiple genes and is not determined by a single gene.

In general, curly hair is thought to be dominant over straight hair, meaning that if a person has one gene for straight hair and one gene for curly hair, they are more likely to have curly hair.

However, the expression of this trait can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the presence of other genes, environmental influences, and hormonal changes.

How often to wash curly hair

The frequency with which you should wash your curly hair will depend on several factors, including your scalp type, the type of products you use, and your personal preferences.

Here are a few general guidelines for washing curly hair:

1. Avoid over-washing: Curly hair is often more prone to dryness and breakage than straight hair, so it is generally recommended to avoid washing it too frequently. Over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness and frizz.
2. Use a sulfate-free shampoo: Sulfates are a type of surfactant that can be harsh on curly hair, stripping it of its natural oils and moisture. Using a sulfate-free shampoo can help to preserve the natural oils in your hair and prevent dryness.
3. Co-wash: An alternative to shampooing is co-washing, which involves using a conditioner to cleanse the hair. Co-washing can be a good option for people with very dry or damaged curly hair, as it can help to hydrate and nourish the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
4. Experiment with different washing frequencies: The ideal washing frequency for your curly hair will depend on your scalp type and the specific needs of your hair. Some people with curly hair may be able to go a week or more between washes, while others may need to wash their hair more frequently. It may take some experimentation to find the right balance for your hair.

In general, it is a good idea to be gentle with your curls when washing and styling them, as rough handling can cause frizz and damage.

It is also a good idea to use a deep conditioning treatment or hair mask regularly to help nourish and moisturize your curls.

Best drugstore curly hair products

Here are the 4 best drugstore curly hair products that I use for anti-humidity and frizz control:

It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product is a leave-in conditioner spray. I use this product after I wash my hair and it smells so good!

This product has so many functions all incorporated into one bottle.

It’s a great product if you are wanting to use heat on your curls (since it’s a heat protectant, too!) as well as just air drying.

The functions of this spray:

• Repairs dry damaged hair and stops hair breakage
• Adds shine, smoothes & controls frizz. Makes your hair so soft
• It’s safe to use on colored hair, It even helps protect the color
• Helps enhance the volume of your curly hair
• Works as a detangler and prevents split ends
• Flat iron & heat protectant
• Uses natural ingredients

I definitely recommend the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product to anyone that has long, medium, or short curly hair.

This product works for all hair types whether you have gray curly hair or blonde straight hair – It’s safe to use on colored hair.

This product is also an anti humidity hair spray. It’s pretty much the whole package.

Available at your local drugstore as well as the following: Ulta curly hair products, Walgreen curly hair products, Target.

Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk 

 

The Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk is a godsend for curly-haired people.

This $3.50 bottle of amazingness has been in my life for YEARS! I’ve been using this stuff since I was in middle school.

The Garnier Fructis Style Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk is the perfect beginner’s product for taming those frizzy curls, especially during the humid months.

I use this product in my hair after I shower (in combination with the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product).

I absolutely love it because it doesn’t make my hair hard, crunchy, or sticky.

This product adds shine and makes my hair so soft! I’m able to run my fingers through my curls without the product getting goopy on my hands.

This product is just another great base product to use when combining curl products or even if you want to style your hair with heat (just make sure to use a heat protectant with this product!)

I use this product whether I am straightening my hair or leaving it curly, it’s the best.

Functions of this product:

• 24 hour frizz resistance
• Smoothing
• Fights humidity

Available at your local drugstore as well as Walmart, Walgreens, and Amazon.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum

The John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum is a great oil-based product that helps lock in moisture and keeps your hair looking super smooth and frizz-free.

This is another multifunctional product just like the It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product mentioned earlier.

I definitely recommend using this product as a base if using heat on your curls.

A big plus for this serum is that it’s super lightweight and most oils aren’t!

Functions of this product:

• Soothes and tames unmanageable hair with frizz control ingredients
• Makes your hair shiny and silky smooth
• Formulated for medium to thick and wavy to curly hair types
• Contains heat protectant to defend hair from damage during heat styling

Available at your local drugstore as well as Walmart, Ulta, and Amazon.

Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream

This Moroccan Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream is similar to the Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk as it does the majority of the same things.

However, if you are in-between products and your only deciding factor was the smell, this product smells literally amazing.

Go for this one.

I would recommend combining this product with the John Frieda Frizz Ease product mentioned above.

Product functions:

• Smoothes your hair and leaves it silky looking
• Defines your curls
• Detangles and tames frizz

Available at your local drugstore as well as Walgreens, CVS, Amazon.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering buying any of these cheap drugstore anti-humidity products,

I’d recommend purchasing one of the milks and serums (the Moroccan or the Garnier Fructis) and pairing it with an oil or spray (such as the John Frieda or It’s A 10 product).

If you have any secrets about taming your curls, please leave a comment and share your tips and tricks!

Cheers Lovelies!